Summary
In “Is The American Dream Over,” Cal Thomas argues that although it seems like the American Dream no longer exists, it is still attainable if you are willing to work hard for it. Thomas begins by defining his version of the American Dream as creating a better life than previous family generations. He refers to Bob Herbert’s article “Hiding From Reality,” and states that although Herbert’s definition of the American Dream is dead, others have a different definition of the phrase which still may be alive.
Thomas argues that the best way to achieve the American Dream is not to wait and rely on the government to take initiative, but to put it in your own hands and work hard yourself. He claims that it was the politicians and government policies that led us in the wrong direction in the first place.
Thomas’s states that the easiest way to achieve the American Dream is the same way people achieved it in the past: attend a university, get a degree, find a job, get married, have kids, and save for the future. Since this idea is not being emphasized by society as much as it use to, it is up to the individual person to bring it upon themselves to follow those rules if they want to achieve the American Dream. In conclusion, although some aspects of the American Dream may be dead, those who are self-dependent and hardworking may still experience the dream.
